Page 56 of Loving the Liar

My jaw drops open as he opens the door. One head gesture, and I go in.

I do what I’m told. If it avoids me being at the Aphrodites’ altar, I’ll kneel and torture myself. I’m on the edge of the dance floor. And for what feels like hours, I have to hold back tears as I watch the ceremony.

Megan putting a signet ring around Chris’s pinky.

Chris putting a necklace around Megan’s neck as they promise the Silent Circle they will get married right after they finish their studies. I guess they’re engaged now.

This is my worst nightmare.

They dance together among the other couples. The Heras got to dress in beautiful gowns while I look up at them from our submissive positions.

And even though Chris’s gaze keeps coming back to me, I don’t want it. It’s hungry, hot, and it reminds me of the truth: he’s a Shadow now.

Maybe being fucked by countless strangers would have felt better.

I watch, and I watch, and I watch.

My hate for my ex grows stronger.

And I break my own heart all over again.

Chapter Fifteen

Ella

Too Late To Love You - Ex Habit

Ithought it would finally be over. Tonight, I was drugged, hunted, hit, made to kneel and beg for my family’s safety.

Isn’t it enough? Apparently not. Because as the new Aphrodites are led toward the exit, a woman comes to get me. She says her name is Carla, and that I’ve been required to stay for the rest of the night.

And that I am to be blindfolded.

“I don’t understand,” I tell her as we walk down a long hallway. She’s moving so fast I’m practically jogging to keep up with her. “Why blindfolded?”

The marble floor is cold against my feet. They still haven’t given us our shoes back.

“There’s nothing to understand,” she tells me matter-of-factly. “If the Shadow wants you blindfolded, you will be.”

“Did he…did he tell you that? Who is it?”

“Yes. I was instructed on how he wanted you. And I don’t know who it is. I was given instructions by Zeus.”

When my eyes widen with terror, she adds. “It’s not him. He doesn’t fuck young Aphrodites.”

“So who could it be?”

She shrugs. “Usually, I wouldn’t know. On a night like this? I’m going to assume it’s the Shadow who caught you.”

My stomach drops. Reeves.

She stops in front of a door and takes out a key to unlock it. “Come on in.”

My knees almost buckle as I follow her inside.

“W-wait,” I panic. “This is— Are you sure it’s the right room?”

“All Aphrodites’ rooms are the same. Get undressed.”

---